Bernese - Whilst We're Away

[Jordan Windebank]

Hi everyone. We are currently looking to add a Bernese to our family and there is one question I have been getting mixed answers on that I am hoping you can help with.

My wife and I both work and dog would be at home on his own for up to 6 or 7 hours each day. I have no problem leaving him in doors, or putting him out and leaving access to the garage open for him, but I am not sure if this is ok for him or not. I know all dogs want constant companionship, and the Bernese are no exception, but is this period of time going to be ok for him if we leave distractions and toys and treats and the like? The last thing I want is for a puppy to be sad when we are at work but I am really hoping we can manage both as I love these dogs.

Thanks a lot.

[aussielover]

It much less than what many dogs deal with

Although as a pup you may need to be prepared to come home at lunch and give him a meal and a quick play.

I'd say as a guarding/working breed the bernese should be fairly well equipped to deal with some time by itself.

[Clyde]

When you first bring him home it might be an idea to have a friend pop around in the middle of the day for feeding and play.

I wouldn't leave a pup near anything in the garage or home that it could chew/destroy.

Then again, I am one of those who believe that pups should be out digging holes, tasting dirt and lying under a tree - not locked indoors all day while people are out.

I personally couldn't leave a pup for that long but I have the luxury (as I see it, lol) of being able to work from home. Plenty of people do it though and their dogs are perfectly fine! Being a large breed pup if you give the pup plenty of attention and play time before you go he will more than likely snooze away most of that time anyway.

Edited November 10, 2011 by Clyde

[Guest donatella]

I have the same anxieties and even tailor my work hours around the dog so she always (well mostly) has someone at home!

6 - 7 hours isn't too bad, many do a lot longer then this. dogs are about routine, once he/she realises the routine they will be content to stay home and able to predict when you're due home and will most likely sleep/play/eat all day. a radio (set to AM talk back station or similar) can help provide comfort and make them not feel so alone.

[*Lolapalooza*]

I breed Bernese and have 7 at home. In an ideal world we would be home with them all the time :D

Mine all get 1/4 marrow bone when I go to work and have a munch and the a sleep.

When I had one BMD she was home alone while we were at work and coped fine. I believe if you arent around the next best thing is catching zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz's.

As long as you puppy is a big part of family life when you are home they are happy. All they want in the whole world is to be with their people. They are awesome.

[Jordan Windebank]

Thank you everyone, you have put my mind at ease.

[cassie]

How lucky are you, photos are mandatory when you get your pup I hope you know ;)

Bernese do love companionship, but your pup will be ok. I expect this to only last a year or so before you get your second anyway, they are addictive!!!